New Hendra virus case confirmed in Qld

Biosecurity Queensland has confirmed a new case of Hendra virus in far north Queensland.

A horse that died at a Tablelands property on the weekend has tested positive to the disease.

The property has been quarantined.

Queensland Health says four people who had contact with the sick animal will be assessed to determine whether they need testing and treatment.

Authorities say another four horses on the property could also be at risk.

Dr Steven Donohue from the Cairns Public Health Unit says they took precautions after suspecting the horse was ill.

"They noticed that a horse wasn't eating on Saturday and then over the next couple of days the horse became increasingly withdrawn and unsteady on its feet and was actually seen to stagger and was found dead on the Tuesday," he said.

"It's taken a couple of days of course for the test results to be done."